Drug testing? Really?

[King Blitzkonic]

According to an article, certain talents like Rob Terry weren't present at the tapings when the drug tests were administered. Really? Shouldn't that be a refusal to test and therefore a positive result? IF TNA is serious about a wellness plan this could turn out interesting.

A) Do you think TNA needs a wellness plan with the clause referring to refusal to test as a positive result?

B) Which talents would you think are on some sort of steroids, etc.?

 

[Alex]

They should put in measures similar to WWE, if you fail you're suspended. This will show that the wrestlers can't get away with using drugs and it will show TNA care about their wrestler's well being.

As to who is on some sort of drugs, well Rob Terry seems to be a walking pack of steroids and while I hate to say it Jeff Hardy looks like he's on something (though he may just be stoned)

 

[Reddannihilation]

According to an article, certain talents like Rob Terry weren't present at the tapings when the drug tests were administered. Really? Shouldn't that be a refusal to test and therefore a positive result? IF TNA is serious about a wellness plan this could turn out interesting.

When you say this, it's a good idea to provide a link. Anyway, article is probably sourceless. If someone wasn't present for a scheduled drug test they'd simply re-schedule. If Rob Terry wasn't being utilized at the time, he had no reason to be there as he wouldn't be getting paid. So no isse.

A) Do you think TNA needs a wellness plan with the clause referring to refusal to test as a positive result?

Hang on, first you said people weren't present now you're saying people refused. There's a huge difference, especially in a company that works on pay per appearance schedule. If TNA called Rob Terry and said, "hey Rob we aren't going to use you this week so don't come in" then it doesn't mean shit that he wasn't there to be tested. When you say refusal you're implying that Rob Terry showed up and said he wouldn't do it or he didn't show up to work.

So did he refuse or was he not present?

B) Which talents would you think are on some sort of steroids, etc.?

Guess work is not something people should be engaging in.

 

[Rayne]

I'm more worried about spinal cord and brain injuries then I am about steroid use. Professional wrestling is exactly where I want my ridiculously inflated human beings.

If TNA has any dreams of becoming a larger promotion then they are now (which I'm starting to literally wonder), they will have to institute some kind of wellness program. On a company any larger then they are, the political and public heat on the company would grow very quickly. You need some kind of smokescreen.

 

[Nikeo]

When you say this, it's a good idea to provide a link. Anyway, article is probably sourceless. If someone wasn't present for a scheduled drug test they'd simply re-schedule. If Rob Terry wasn't being utilized at the time, he had no reason to be there as he wouldn't be getting paid. So no isse.


Hang on, first you said people weren't present now you're saying people refused. There's a huge difference, especially in a company that works on pay per appearance schedule. If TNA called Rob Terry and said, "hey Rob we aren't going to use you this week so don't come in" then it doesn't mean shit that he wasn't there to be tested. When you say refusal you're implying that Rob Terry showed up and said he wouldn't do it or he didn't show up to work.

So did he refuse or was he not present?



Guess work is not something people should be engaging in.

url:http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/article/more-details-on-tnas-drug-testing-at-impact-last-week-110817

There's your link.

This is something I cannot stand, the WWE getting a hard time for the Wellness policy with little to no basis while TNA is defended down to the ground by (usually) the same people. How do you know Terry wasn't scheduled to be there? Further, whether he was or he wasn't he has all the signs of somebody that screams "TEST ME", he should be tested. The most important question of all: why the hell aren't wrestlers who fail suspended?

There is absolutely no reason for TNA not to have a drug testing policy when a rumored 43% of the roster failed the last round of tests. Were these people punished? No. That is disgraceful. A testing policy can't be adopted over night but it certainly doesn't take years, they could have had one up and running a long time ago. It's time TNA were held under the same scrutiny as the WWE, they've gotten away with it for far too long.

 

[Ruthless-RKO]

I think TNA should do drug testing, it will show that TNA have taken the business to the next level...caring about wrestlers health, and if they fail, why the hell not...suspend them.it will teach them a lesson...You might even say some wrestlers got out of WWE to get out of drug testing..who knows?

 

[ThePh3nomonal1]

Yes, drug testing is essential and if they fail they should be suspended right there on the spot. No matter who they are.

You cannot let your wrestlers be on drugs and etc. While under contract it is just wrong. On Rob Terry I believe he knew he would fail but that's my opinion.

 

[Reddannihilation]

url:http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/article/more-details-on-tnas-drug-testing-at-impact-last-week-110817

There's your link.

Like I said, sourceless crap. Hell the grammar in that report isn't even good. I don't believe everything I read on the internet, I find that attitude is usually quite helpful when the articles turn out wrong the majority of the time.

This is something I cannot stand, the WWE getting a hard time for the Wellness policy with little to no basis

Who said anything about the WWE?

How do you know Terry wasn't scheduled to be there?

Well, he's on a pay-per appearance contract and wasn't seen on iMPACT this week? So I would doubt he'd be at the iMPACT tapings if he wasn't going to be featured, because then he wouldn't get paid.

Further, whether he was or he wasn't he has all the signs of somebody that screams "TEST ME", he should be tested.

Why because he has a lot muscle mass? Plenty of body-builders look bigger than Rob Terry and don't ever use steroids. And, let's see what you just said, if Rob Terry wasn't in attendance to be tested, he should still be tested, how? Via home testing kit? If he's not being used or in the arena why should he be tested?

The most important question of all: why the hell aren't wrestlers who fail suspended?

Any confirmation on people failing? No. Oh.

There is absolutely no reason for TNA not to have a drug testing policy when a rumored 43% of the roster failed the last round of tests.

Rumoured? AKA bullshit. 43%? LOL, statistics pulled out of someone's ass, I'll bet.

Were these people punished? No. That is disgraceful.

You just admitted above to the fact that it's a rumour, so if it's not true then why would they punish anyone?

A testing policy can't be adopted over night but it certainly doesn't take years, they could have had one up and running a long time ago.

They've got one running right now so what's your issue? No one in TNA's died from steroid abuse or gone on a killing spree.

It's time TNA were held under the same scrutiny as the WWE, they've gotten away with it for far too long.

Gotten away with what? There haven't been any consequences to what you're suggesting. And on top of that your entire post is based on something that might not even be true, effective. You have no idea to the inner workings of TNA, but a sourceless report is enough for you to condemn them to hell and back. No bias there, no none at all.

 

[Carpathian Florist]

Why should TNA even have a drug testing policy?
TNA isn't exactly known for pushing huge musclebound meatheads in the way that Vince is. It should come down to personal choice really, wrestlers are adults and they should know the risks involved with taking steroids. If a guy feels like taking steroids, he should be allowed to. It isn't like he's cheating, because wrestling is not a legitimate sport.
I think there should be no need for companies to have to mother their employees. If you show up on time, do what is required of you and do it well then why is there a problem?
If these issues affect work rate or the safety of others, then step in. If someone wants to risk screwing up their body, it is their own personal choice.

 

[GameOver]

They have to abide by the sports/drug laws of the areas they are in still
and so you're saying hey who gives a shit if you take drugs or steroids it's only fake anyway, until you get into a drug haze or underestimate how strong you are applying a move and break someone

or your heart goes into overdrive from using enhancement drugs, and in turn you have a heart attack or any other side effects that a detrimental to your health and those you work with who could bge injured at your hands.

but no, it's only fake hey so no need.

What they do in there own time is there business, but when they come to work affected that is the companies business, risking more than just your own ass

 

[Rasha]

I think there should be no need for companies to have to mother their employees. If you show up on time, do what is required of you and do it well then why is there a problem?

Because one night that great employee might murder his wife and child and then take his own life. The problem that wrestling companies have, with WWE being much more culpable than TNA, is that the demands they place on their employees time and focus is far greater than the typical American job. If someone begins to suffer physically and/or mentally as a result of the wrestling lifestyle, then it's up to the promotion to recognize the problem and act on that person's behalf.

In many cases, it's not like their family and friends (non-wrestling) see them enough to have a good sense of what's going on. So if someone eventually does break down, then it's the fault of the company that dominated his daily life for ignoring any warning signs or for simply not promoting basic healthy practices. I know performance-enhancing drugs aren't guaranteed to make you a psychopath, but the possibility of any harmful effects must make the company act. Even if it's not fair, they WILL be held accountable in the court public opinion.

 

[Davi323]

I used to be one of those people that thought steroids were okay in pro wrestling, because its not really a sport, and there isn't really a competitive advantage. I used to be one of those guys. And then I completely changed my mind, because of a little incident that happened in June, 2007. You might remember it. One of the people involved in the incident was named Chris Benoit. More specifically, it was the attention of the United States Congress afterward that made me change my mind. COMPLETELY.

Why should TNA enact a drug testing policy? To cover their asses. This isn't about personal choice, its about not wanting the United States government coming down on their asses. Whenever Congress gets especially bored, they go after some sports organization for steroids. Its a pet project with certain members of Congress. For the time being, the WWE's wellness policy has been sufficient, because its doubtful that anyone in Congress knows about TNA. As long as Congress accepts the WWE's drug testing as legitimate, they leave pro wrestling alone. TNA has so far been able to escape under the radar. However, if TNA is serious about eventually expanding, and becoming a household name, they NEED to have a strict drug policy already in place. Once TNA is a household name, all it would take is a single TNA wrestler to experience some 'roid rage outside of the ring, and the full power of the United States Congress could come down on them. The WWE has a stable of lawyers who can fend off Congress. The WWE has the attorneys and the money to at least mount a defense...can TNA claim the same? If Congress ever turned its eyes towards TNA, they could wipe TNA completely out and the most TNA would be able to do is whimper as they close up shop. TNA simply does not have the resources the WWE has to challenge something like a Congressional probe, so they absolutely need to enact a strict drug testing policy, with real consequences for failing, or it could mean their company gets shut down. Congress may never look at TNA like they did with the WWE. It could all be for nothing. But, can TNA really take that risk? As long as TNA stays as small as it is, Congress might still ignore them the next time they decide to go on a steroid witch hunt, like they did after Benoit...but they might not.

I am not a TNA fan, probably never will be...but this is a step in the right direction. TNA being proactive about drug use, whether its steroids, other PEDs, or even recreational drugs is a positive, not a negative.

 

[Carpathian Florist]

Because one night that great employee might murder his wife and child and then take his own life. The problem that wrestling companies have, with WWE being much more culpable than TNA, is that the demands they place on their employees time and focus is far greater than the typical American job. If someone begins to suffer physically and/or mentally as a result of the wrestling lifestyle, then it's up to the promotion to recognize the problem and act on that person's behalf.

In many cases, it's not like their family and friends (non-wrestling) see them enough to have a good sense of what's going on. So if someone eventually does break down, then it's the fault of the company that dominated his daily life for ignoring any warning signs or for simply not promoting basic healthy practices. I know performance-enhancing drugs aren't guaranteed to make you a psychopath, but the possibility of any harmful effects must make the company act. Even if it's not fair, they WILL be held accountable in the court public opinion.

I appreciate the fact you can offer an intelligent and coherent response, unlike some people here. I still personally believe that the individual should be held accountable for their own actions. No matter what the cirumstances are, everyone makes a choice to do whatever it is they're doing. With these wellness policy things, wrestling companies are basically admitting responsibility for something beyond their control. Take the WWE's promise of free rehab for any ex-star that asks for it, on one hand it is a very good initiative by the company, but what about the other? A wrestler once under contract to them could see it as an excuse to go all out, knowing that they can always go back to the WWE and ask them to pick up the pieces for them. With these sorts of things it takes away the "well I was stupid enough to do this, it's my fault" and replaces it with "well it's TNA's fault, they should have done something about my problem."

However you do make a good point and I would say that is what really counts, the fact that the blame inevitably falls upon the company and not the individual wrestler. I understand that drug testing is neccessary because of this very fact, but it shouldn't be. I think it's merely a symptom of modern society, no one wants to take any responsibility for their actions and always seeks a scapegoat. Christians blame Satanic influence, parents blame the mass media, children blame their parents and on and on.

While drug testing is neccessary for a company like TNA to protect itself, it shouldn't be. Wrestlers are not like bears stolen from the wild, caged and then beaten until they dance for money. They are people, individuals with their own minds and personalities who should be able to make their own choices in life.

One thing I have noticed though, which no one ever seems to bring up. There seems to be two types of wrestling related deaths. Those who overdose accidently or those who suffer fatal heart problems. Of the latter, it seems to me that most cases are wrestlers who have cleaned up their act. I think those types of death have more to do with quitting whatever they're on, rather than the drugs themselves. This would seem to suggest proper moderation and an informed detox program to wean them off their addictions would serve a better purpose than simply banning all substances outright.

 

[shattered dreams]

Will people stop bringing up Benoit. It is not especially relevant here. Somewhere this myth of roid rage causing his actions has been blown out of proportion. Who has roid rage for a couple of days straight? Benoit had a serious brain condition that had nothing to do with steroids and everything to do with things like concussions. Claiming steroids are the main reason Benoit did what he did just makes you look ignorant.

I have to agree with those saying find me a better source then maybe I will care more. This looks like something someone posts on here so it is hard to take seriously. Rob Terry big, rob terry steroids, tna suck. If the eye test is all we need to "convict" people of roid use then WWE's policy is an utter failure.

 

[nevy]

Alot of people are assuming Rob Terry took steroids.Because he looks like a giant action figure.I'm not saying he doesn't,but did Umaga,Funaki,William Regal,and Shane Helms look like they were on the juice?...No,they didn't.Which proves you can't just look at someone and say they're on roids.

 

[Gansher]

Everyone should have been there just for the drug tests. Why? Because you never know who was doing drugs or who wasn't. A strict wellness policy is necessary if TNA are planning to actually get those ratings up and compete with WWE someday. If they fail here we could end up with another Beniot situation and I don't think anyone wants to see something like that happening again

 

[PhD]

While I can understand your skepticism Redd, no one, to my knowledge, has ever been suspended by TNA for a failed drug test. Do you really think that means everyone in the company is pissing clean? The whole point of this discussion seems to me to be whether or not TNA's drug testing has any meaning at all; the general consensus would be no, and I don't see how you could argue otherwise.

 

[shattered dreams]

That implies that testing and suspending via public announcement is the only way to give "meaning" to it. I think people have a tendency to forget an unfortunate reality of the industry is that these guys are independent contractors. Even if TNA wanted to test Terry that day, how do you make someone who is not exactly your employee travel there when they are not even getting paid, just to do this test? Not to mention how are you responsible for what this guy does aside from the 5 days a month when he works for you? Anyone claiming this is clearly black and white stuff is lying to themselves. We do not know what TNA does based on tests if there are any positives, just like there are lots of things we do not know about the small, private company. Making assumptions seems questionable at best. They might choose to handle this thing in a more supportive intervention type thing opposed to WWE's serve your time and we will forget it ever happened type thing. Is it really the best thing to do to publicly shame a guy and then isolate him from his friends and take away his means of making a living for a while opposed to other options? It does not seem that clear to me. There is a difference between testing positive for a substance and having a substance problem. Treating them both the same seems inefficient.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

I don't know if Rob Terry is on something or not. Just going by physical appearance alone, Rob Terry does not look natural in the least. That doesn't automatically mean he's on something, however. A common myth about steroids is that they all jack up your size and that's not so. Some forms of performance enhancing drugs are used to help maintain and increase symetry and overall cut rather than increasing size and strength, so not all guys taking PEDs are going to look like a mini version of the Incredible Hulk.

As far as drug testing in general goes, I do think it should be mandatory. In the past, the WWE has been crucified by the media, wrestling insiders and inernet fans alike for their seeming disregard for drug usage and abuse among their wrestlers. IF, and I do mean IF, TNA's testing policy isn't entirely on the up & up, then excuses and technicalities shouldn't be made for them.

 

[ABMorales787]

Drug testing is a must for TNA. Especially as they keep growing. It's only a matter of time before the media starts nitpicking at them as they do with WWE. "Glove it before you love it". I wouldn't risk the small public image people have on TNA. There's already issues due to Jeff Hardy's court case. Giving an opportunity for more isn't a pleasant idea. Not to mention it would put some workers to get in shape and stay alert. Jeff Hardy comes to mind quickly as does Rob Van Dam. Hernandez presents a danger as well due to his neck surgery. It risks an addiction to pain killers. TNA almost suffered due to Scott Hall. I'd eliminate the potential for a bigger problem, if it were me. TNA has a delicate public image because it's barely established. Gambling it spells quick trouble.

 

[XgringolocoX]

I believe ALL wrestling companies should have and ENFORCE drug testing policy. If nothing then to cover their own asses should one of thier employees hearts suddenly explode. Luna, Eddie, Lance, Curt, Davey Boy and Umaga would still be around had drugs not been a part of their lives. We've lost too many great performers.
Any company that knows that a drug culture exists in their industry should take steps to curb it. It's just being plain responsible. You want the world at large to respect your business so that they spend their monies on it. What parent is going to buy action figures, hats, shirt, and all that shit for thier kid if they think all these wrestlers are junkies?
It's good business and good humanity. To think otherwise is just fucking ignorant.

 

[Joe's Gonna Kill You]

I think that if Tna is to grow as a company they need to start to do some type of drug testing. It's never a bad thing for them to be worried about wrestlers taking steroids and drug testing is a great idea. If these reports are true its good that they are starting to do more drug testing. As for Rob Terry not being there at tapings was not him trying to avoid testing as he was just not being used that week, although he may look like he's on steroids, that does not mean he is so until he fails a test I will think that he is clean.

 

[Krobra]

A) Do you think TNA needs a wellness plan with the clause referring to refusal to test as a positive result?

Answer: Yes. TNA need to keep their wrestlers healthy. Look at Scott Hall. He has been working for TNA on and off, and the WWE is paying for his rehab. What do you think will happen if Kurt Angle had a cocaine addiction, Jeff Hardy ODing on pain killers, or Ric Flair developed a heroin addiction. Odds are,the WWE will probably end up paying for their expenses, unless they took the middle finger to the company personal. Point is, TNA need to keep their wrestlers healthy. Jeff Hardy, RVD, and a few others probably failed the test. Rob Terry being absent from the drug testing should be a red flag as to him possibly being on drugs. What should TNA do? Force a drug test and see if he is positive. If he is, send him to rehab.



B) Which talents would you think are on some sort of steroids, etc.?

Answer: Rob Van Dam, Jeff Hardy, Brian Kendrick, Rob Terry. Those are my for sure's. I'm there are a lot ofthers, but I may be wrong at who they are.

 

[93alt93]

1. While the Benoit situation did shine a light on drugs in wrestling, did you not notice how all the mainstream coverage almost entirely vanished once the brain injury evidence was presented???
2. Drugs in wrestling have been there long before the Benoit case, anyone remember the whole Steroids trial back in the early 90's???
3. While personal choice is the ultimate in this case, there have been way too many cases of professional wrestlers dying way too young, mostly due to drug related causes. For any organization to simply turn a blind eye to this and say it's personal choice and wash their hands of it is not only a public relations nightmare, it puts them in a very liable situation because it can and has been argued that due to the demands placed on them by the WWE/TNA/ROH/etc that they had to turn to drugs to cope/recover. Sure its an excuse by the wrestlers, but I am sure a good enough lawyer could convince a judge and jury to hold the company liable.
4. Ultimately it comes down to my own Work Related Golden Rule, when in doubt, cover your own ass first. And that is what these drug testing / policies are in place for, to cover the companies ass.
5. It is unfortunate that these things have to be in place but in this day and age of pro wrestling, they have become a necessity.

sad but true.

 

[returnofplex]

Good God. So many people in here have no idea what they're talking about when it comes to steroids...... Do yourselves a favor and spend 10 minutes reading-up on them or at least watch some youtube videos about it. A psycho is a psycho. Benoit killed his family, not steroids.
Who in TNA is on them? about 70% of the roster in some form or another. The same goes for any of the legit sports. The more important question is WHO CARES? Steroids don't make you show up to the event in a mind altered state, or keep you awake for days on end.
Should TNA test for drugs? Yes. For Steroids? NO. Should they intervene if a wrestler is an addict with self-destructive behaviors? Yes.